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At a glance
Astra (missile)larger figure on 3 of 3
Python (missile)larger figure on 0 of 3
Counts only measures both sources give with the same scope. A larger figure is not a better system.
Measured figures
Length
Single source3.84 m (12.6 ft)[source]
Length
Single sourceConfiguration
| Specification | Astra (missile) | Python (missile) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Mk-1: Mach 4.5[source] | Mach 4[source] |
| Type | Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile[source] | Short-range air-to-air missile[source] |
| Place of origin | India[source] | Israel[source] |
| In service | 2019 ( 2019 ) –present[source] | — |
3.1 metres (10 feet )[source]
Warhead weight
Single source15 kg (33 lb)[source]
Bars compare reported quantities only. A larger figure does not make a system better; configurations and test conditions differ.
| Used by |
|---|
Indian Air Force Indian Navy[source] |
See operators[source] |
| Wars | 2025 India–Pakistan conflict[source] | Yom Kippur War Falklands War 1982 Lebanon War 2006 Lebanon War[source] |
|---|
| Designer | Defence Research and Development Laboratory ( DRDO )[source] | — |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Bharat Dynamics Limited[source] | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems[source] |
|---|
| Unit cost | Mk-1: ₹ 7−8 crore (US$−830,000)[source] | Shafrir series: Shafrir-1: US$20,000[source] |
|---|
| Produced | 2017 − Present[source] | Shafrir series: 1961–1983 Python series: 1980–present[source] |
|---|
| Variants | Mk-1 (Operational) Mk-2 (LSP) Mk-3 (Trial-phase) VL-SRSAM (Trial-phase)[source] | — |
|---|
| Warhead | High-explosive pre- fragmented HMX / PU[source] | 11 kg (24 lb 4 oz)[source] |
|---|
| Detonation mechanism | Mk-1: Radio proximity fuze Mk-2: Optical proximity fuze[source] | proximity[source] |
|---|
| Engine | Mk-1: Solid-propellant rocket Mk-2: Dual-thrust pulsed rocket motor Mk-3: Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet[source] | solid fuel rocket motor[source] |
|---|
| Propellant | Solid fuel[source] | — |
|---|
| Flight ceiling | 20 km (66,000 ft)[source] | — |
|---|
| Guidance system | Mid-course: FOG - INS + Mid-course update via datalink Terminal: ARH[source] | infrared homing + 320×240 pixel dual waveband electro-optical imaging seeker, lock on after launch, with infrared counter-counter-measures (IRCCM)[source] |
|---|
| Launch platform | Su-30MKI MiG-29K Tejas Mk.1/1A MiG-29UPG (Trial-phase) HAL Tejas Mk2 (Planned) AMCA (Planned) TEDBF (Planned) Rafale Marine (Planned)[source] | Aircraft: BAE Sea Harrier CASA C-101 Aviojet F-4E Kurnass 2000 F-5E/F Tiger-II McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon Dassault Mirage III Dassault Mirage 5 Dassault Mirage 2000 Eurofighter Typhoon IAI Nesher/Dagger/Finder IAI Kfir HAL Tejas KAI T-50 Golden Eagle Leonardo M-346FA Master Saab JAS 39 Gripen Sukhoi Su-30MKI Su-25KM Scorpion[source] |
|---|
| Flight altitude | — | N/A[source] |
|---|
| Reported operators | — |
|
|---|